The United States has a complicated relationship with gambling. At various times specific forms of it have been barred, while at other times laws have been more permissive. In the modern world of the Internet, gambling is no longer limited to physical venues, but also takes place at online casinos and sportsbooks. But can you gamble online legally? That depends on where you live.
Legal gambling online in the US is possible if you use a site that is licensed and regulated by your state’s gaming regulator. This ensures that the games are fair and that your money is safe. It is also a good idea to gamble on sites that have responsible gambling policies in place.
New Jersey has led the way in online gambling, making it legal to wager over the Internet since 2013. In addition to its casino offerings, the Garden State also has a robust poker market and offers monthly tax revenue from iGaming. However, lawmakers in other states are reluctant to follow suit. The lackadaisical behavior of politicians is confusing, especially when you consider the enormous amount of money that can be raised by legal iGaming platforms.
Online gambling in Connecticut is also legal, but players should be aware that there are only two operators at the moment. DraftKings Casino and FanDuel Casino are the only two licensed iGaming operators in the state, and they have partnerships with the state’s two tribal casinos. It is expected that other operators will join them in 2023. Until then, players should look for options in other states that are legal for online gambling, including Michigan and Pennsylvania.
The Blue Hen state is the latest to make it legal for its residents to gamble on the Internet, and did so in January of 2022. iGaming is regulated by the state’s Gaming Control Board and offers a mix of options from established operators like Caesars, Four Winds and Firekeepers to smaller brands. Michigan is not yet offering mobile sports betting, but it is expected that the option will launch sometime this year.